Fall 2023 Course Syllabus
Course: RNSG-1300 (Section: 1, CRN: 91496)
Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Melanie James
Email jamesmc1@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6374
Office Allied Health - Room: 116
Office Hours M-Tr 9am-1pm
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description Development of skills and techniques required for a comprehensive nursing health assessment of patients across the lifespan. Includes assessment of patients' health promotion and maintenance, illness and injury prevention and restoration, and application of the nursing process within a legal/ethical framework. This course lends itself to either a blocked or integrated approach.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

  • Thompson, J. (2022). Essential Health Assessment (2nd ed). F.A. Davis.
  • Shadow Health Digital Clinical Experience™ 
All course textbooks/programs are included in the Seahawk Book Bundle
Required:
  • Thompson, J. (2022). Essential Health Assessment (2nd ed). F.A. Davis.
  • Shadow Health Digital Clinical Experience™
See instructions below for purchase and registration in the Shadow Health course.
 
Student Self-Enrollment Instructions Using Course ID
Online Course Access provided in any of the following ways:
  • After you have purchased and redeemed your textbook custom package access code
  • You redeemed an Access Code that you purchased from a Bookstore or directly from the Evolve website
  • If you did not redeem an access code from a custom package or purchase directly from the Bookstore or Evolve website, you will be prompted to complete an instant “Purchase Access” while following the steps below. 
*** If you are accessing your instructor’s online course via your college’s Learning Management System then refer to the enrollment instructions given by your institution. ***
Please follow the steps below to self-enroll into your online courses.
  1.   Go to the Evolve website:   https://evolve.elsevier.com/studentand go to the “Catalog” home screen.
  2.   Enter the first “Course ID” listed below (or provided to you) in the option for “Redeem an Access Code or Enter an Evolve Course ID” and click “Submit”:

  • Course Title:  Health Assessment Digital Clinical Experiences, 1st Edition
  • Course ID: 165730_jstamey3_5003
  • PIN - 2925-9724-5291-7896            
                           
 
  1. You are now prompted to log into your existing Evolve account or to create a new account. (ONLY First-time users should create a new account.)
  2. If creating your account for the first time, you must enter in your institution’s email address instead of a personal address.
    1. If you are a returning Evolve user sign into your account.
   Click “Continue” on the “You’re Enrolled” page. 

NOTE:  If you signed into your existing Evolve account at this time go to Account Settings and ensure your Email Address listed is your institution’s email account.  Click “Save/Confirm”.
  1. You have now completed self-enrolling into your required online course ID; this is now available to you within your “My Evolve” tab.   
  2. If you did not redeem an access code from a custom package or purchase directly from the Bookstore or Evolve website, go to “My Evolve” and click on your newly enrolled course.  You will then be prompted with the option to instantly “Purchase Access”.  Complete the steps to purchase the access and full online course access will be granted.
  3. You now have access to your required Elsevier materials.  Repeat steps for any additional Course ID’s.
 
Shadow Health Support:
 
  1.   Watch the student orientation video if you are new to Shadow Health: 
 
  1.   Use a supported browser: Shadow Health recommends using Chrome to access your work. However, there are many browsers that you can use to access your assignments in Shadow Health. 
 
  1.   Review the technical specifications.
 
  1.   Visit Shadow Health’s fantastic Support Center for answers to common questions.
 
  1.   Contact Shadow Health if you have any questions about Shadow Health by emailing nhpsupport@elsevier.com or by calling 800.222.9570.
For any questions or additional assistance relating to anything o?ered on the Evolve/Elsevier website, please contact Evolve Customer Support. You can click the Help tab at the top-right of the Evolve website and scroll to the bottom for direct email, chat, or phone options, or you can click the direct links below:
 
      Email:  https://service.elsevier.com/app/contact/supporthub/evolve/
        Chat:    https://service.elsevier.com/app/contact/supporthub/evolve/
 
      Phone: +1 800 222 9570 (Monday-Sunday, 6:00 am-12:00 am CST).

 
 GENERAL TECHNICAL NOTE:
  • Students must have access to a PC laptop or desktop with:
    • Windows 8.1 or higher; or MacOS 10.15 or later
    • Browsers: Google Chrome (required for Speech to Text feature); Mozilla Firefox; Microsoft Edge (Windows only); Safari (macOS only)
    • All software should be up to date. Older software may not work properly with the Shadow Health DCE assignments.
    • Computer hardware less than three years old with working webcam and microphone. Recommended 4GB RAM
  • Students must have access to High Speed Internet Connection:
  • Network: Minimum 3 Mbps download connection (5 or more is recommended) (Check your network speed)
  • The Shadow Health Digital Clinical Experience performs best when directly connected to the internet. Due to the number of variables introduced when connecting to the DCE using VPN (Virtual Private Network) internet connections, users may experience extended assignment load times.
  • Wireless or Wireless Mobile Broadband connections may be used during course browsing
  • Students cannot complete a course using only a mobile device or the Blackboard Mobile App
  • Students must have access to Microsoft Office 2010 or higher.
  • Students must have access and use of a scanner
 
Accessibility
Shadow Health’s Digital Clinical Experiences require the use of a computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse or touchpad. It is our goal to support alternative input modalities to improve accessibility for all users. However, if you are currently unable to use the DCE due to a visual or motor impairment, please contact the Shadow Health Learner Support team.
 
Tina Jones™ presents auditory and visual information representative of a human patient. To address auditory accessibility, when Tina Jones speaks, her speech is presented as both audio and text displayed at the bottom of the screen, except in instances where the textual representation would distinguish physical findings (e.g. textual descriptions of breathing sounds). If you require a transcription of these instances due to an auditory impairment, please contact the Shadow Health Learner Support team at support@shadowhealth.com.
 
The normal and abnormal sounds within the concept labs are medically accurate, and are produced at a frequency lower than what most laptop speakers are capable of delivering. To hear these sounds, we strongly recommend that you use a pair of external speakers or headphones to hear the bass frequencies.
 
Unsupported Platforms
The following devices and operating systems are not supported on the Shadow Health platform:
iOS devices (iPhones and iPads)
Android devices (phones and tablets)
Chromebooks
Linux/GNU based operating systems

Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites
  • BIOL-2101 Anatomy & Physiology I Laboratory
  • BIOL-2101 Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory I
  • BIOL-2301 Anatomy & Physiology I
Learning Outcomes In accordance with the mission of Lamar State College - Port Arthur, this course encourages the student to develop the particular skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for success in the field of Associate Degree Nursing. Upon completion of RNSG 1300, the student will have the opportunity to:
1. Demonstrate techniques utilized in the health assessment of individuals across the lifespan. (PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 3)
2. Perform systematic physical assessment using appropriate equipment and techniques for all body systems. (PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 3)
3. Utilize cognitive and psychomotor skills in assessing clients' physiologic health and psychosocial status. (PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 3, PSLO 4)
4. Document findings utilizing appropriate terminology and legal/ethical format. (PSLO 1, PSLO 3, PSLO 4)
5. Identify legal and ethical standards related to health assessment. (PSLO1, PSLO 4)
6. Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading. (PSLO Alpha, PSLO3)
Program Student Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Upward Mobility Nursing Program graduates will be able to:
PSLO Alpha: Reading Skills – Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading materials.
PSLO 1:  Integrates professional caring into practice decisions within the scope of practice for a registered nurse.
PSLO 2:  Demonstrates safe, competent, holistic care for a diverse group of individuals who have complex health care needs
PSLO 3:  Accept responsibility and accountability for the effectiveness of one’s own nursing practice and professional growth. 
PSLO 4: Communicate effectively with clients, peers and other members of the interdisciplinary heath care team to provide evidence-based care.
Lecture Topics Outline Week 1: 08/31/2023 Chapter 1,2,3, 5,6
  • Course Orientation
  • Shadow Health Orientation
  • Shadow Health DCE orientation 
  • Shadow Health Conversation lab
  • Introduction to Health Assessment – Chapter 1
  • Interviewing the Patient – Chapter 2
  • Taking Health History – Chapter 3
  • Assessment Techniques – Chapter 5
  • General Survey and Assessing Vitals – Chapter 6
  • Shadow Health – Communication and Documentation (Due week 2)
 
Week 2: 09/07/2023 Chapter 7-8
  • Assessing Pain – Chapter 7
  • Assessing Skin, Hair, & Nails – Chapter 8
  • Shadow Health – Skin, Hair and Nails Assignment
  • Shadow Health – Health History
  • Lab worksheet
 
Week 3: 09/14/2023 Chapter 17
  • Assessing Neurological System – Chapter 17
  • Shadow Health – Neurological Assignment
  • Lab worksheet
 
Week 4: 09/21/2023 Chapter 9,10,11
  • Assessing Head, Face, Mouth and Neck – Chapter 9
  • Assessing the Ears – Chapter 10
  • Assessing the Eyes – Chapter 11
  • Shadow Health HEENT Assignment
  • Lab worksheet
  • Assessment video
 
Week 5: 09/28/2023
  • Exam 1 – Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 0800 (Covers weeks 1 – 4)
 
Week 6: 10/05/2023 Chapter 12
  • Lung and Respiratory System – Chapter 12
  • Shadow Health – Respiratory Assessment
  • Shadow Health – Respiratory Concept Lab
  • Lab worksheet
 
Week 7: 10/12/2023 Chapter 13, 15
  • Assessing Cardiovascular System – Chapter 13
  • Assessing Peripheral Vascular System and Regional Lymphatic System – Chapter 15
  • Shadow Health – Cardiovascular Assignment
  • Shadow Health – Cardiovascular Concept Lab
  • Lab worksheet
  • Assessment video
 
Week 8 10/19/2023 Chapter 14, 16
  • Abdomen and Gastrointestinal System – Chapter 14
  • Musculoskeletal System – Chapter 16
  • Shadow Health – Abdomen Assignment
  • Shadow Health – Abdomen Concept Lab
  • Shadow Health – Musculoskeletal Assignment
  • Lab worksheet
  • Assessment Video

Week 9 10/26/2023
  • Exam 2 – Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 0800 (Covers weeks 6-8)
 
Week 10: 11/02/2023 Chapter 18, 19, 20
  • Assessing the Female Breasts, Axillae, and Reproductive system – Chapter 18
  • Assessing the Male Breasts and Reproductive system – Chapter 19
  • Assessing the Anus and Rectum – Chapter 20
 
Week 11: 11/09/2023 Chapter 22, 24
  • Assessing the Child and Adolescent – Chapter 22
  • Assessing the Older Adult – Chapter 24
  • Shadow Health - Focused Exam – Cough
  • Shadow Health - Focused Exam – Chest Pain
 
Week 12 11/16/2023 Open Practice Lab
  • Shadow Health – Comprehensive Assessment
  • Shadow Health - Discharge
  • Integrated Physical Assessment Practice
 
Week 13 11/23/2023
  • Thanksgiving Holiday
 
Week 14 11/30/2023
  • Integrated Physical Assessment Check-offs
  • Submit Integrated Physical Assessment Documents
  • Shadow Health – Comprehensive Assessment (began in week 12)
 
Week 15 12/07/2023
  • Final Exam – December 7th at 0800 (Comprehensive Exam)
Major Assignments Schedule
  • Exam I – Thursday September 28, 2023 at 0800
  • Exam II – Thursday October 26, 2023 at 0800
  • Final Exam – Thursday December 7, 2023 at 0800.          
  • Integrated Physical Assessment: The integrated physical assessment is the culminating assignment for the course and involves completion of a cephalocaudal physical assessment at the end of the course. The integrated physical assessment is a mandatory assignment and counts as 20% of your course grade. You will be evaluated based on the integrated physical assessment form criteria. You are expected to complete the assessment in 30 minutes.  Failure of this assignment results in failure of the entire course regardless of the grades for other assignments.  In the event the student misses their scheduled checkoff time without notifying the instructor, or fails to score at least 70% on the assessment, the student will be allowed one makeup attempt. 10 points will be deducted from the makeup grade.  You will sign up for a time to complete your assessment with your course faculty.  Faculty will complete the required documents and provide to you to submit the documents within the course in Week 14.
Final Exam Date December 7, 2023 - 8:0 AM   Through  December 7, 2023 - 12:0 PM
Grading Scale 90-100 = A       80-89 = B       75-79 = C      74-60 = D      59 or Below = F 
Determination of
Final Grade

A final course grade of 75% is necessary for the student to pass this course.  The final course grade is calculated as follows: 

Exam 1 = 20%, Exam 2 = 20%, Lab grade = 15%, Integrated Physical Assessment = 20% and Final Exam = 25%. 

Lab grade (15% of final course grade) Includes required Shadow Health Assignments, Lab Worksheets, Assessment videos, Discussion boards, any other in-class or pre-class assignments required by the instructor.

Shadow Health Assessment Assignments:  These are mandatory assignments and the average counts as 50% of your lab grade.
    1.  Digital Clinical Experience (DCE) orientation and conversation labs are completion assignments that are required.
    2.  Health History and System assignments:  The amount of time spent on each assignment should be a minimum of 45 minutes. For the first 3 weeks of the semester, students are allowed more than one attempt and must turn in an attempt of their choice.  After three weeks, the first attempt will be the grade for the assignment.  The assignment grade will be based upon your Digital Clinical Experience (DCE) Score average.
    3.  Focused Exams (3) and Concept Lab assignments are mandatory assignments.  Students are allowed more than one attempt and must turn in an attempt of their choice. 
    4.   Comprehensive Assessment assignment:  The amount of time spent on assignment should be a minimum of 100 minutes.  Students are allowed more than one attempt and the attempts will be averaged to achieve your assignment grade.  The assignment grade will be based upon your Digital Clinical Experience (DCE) Score average. 
 
Lab Assessment Videos: For Lab, students will submit a video clip demonstrating designated systems assessment covered during the assigned week.  These video assessment assignments are graded per rubric and specified guidelines and mandatory for successful completion of the course.

Lectures– PowerPoints are available on Blackboard

Open Virtual Lab – A virtual lab will be scheduled throughout the semester.  Students can join the lab to ask questions and view assessment skills. 

Point deductions:  Late points, up to ten points per day, will be deducted if any graded assignment is submitted after the date and time due – No Exceptions. 

Exams: All exams must be taken.  Students will be allocated a specific amount of time for each exam.  Students unable to take a scheduled exam due to an extreme emergency must notify the instructor prior to the exam.  All exams will be taken in the Allied Health Computer Lab or if a makeup exam is required it will be taken in the Student Success Center.  Makeup exams must be taken within 48 hours of the scheduled exam.  If unable to take makeup exam within the 48 hours, the numerical grade attained on the Final exam will be substituted for missed exam. If unable to take the exam on campus, a student may be approved to take the exam using ProctorU, an online proctoring service.  There is a testing fee of approximately $25 to use ProctorU.  More details regarding the use of ProctorU will be provided in the course.     

Examinations are based on course objectives.  Course content from the biological and behavioral sciences as well as previous nursing knowledge may be included on exams, as appropriate.
 
Evaluation of Examinations: After each exam, the faculty uses psychometric principles to evaluate the examination. Items missed by 50% or more of the course are reviewed. If an item is found to be flawed, the faculty may give credit for more than one answer or nullify the item.  When an item is nullified, the key is changed so that all answers are credited as correct. That is, if a student answered the item as originally keyed, a student will retain the credit for the item. If a student’s answer differs from the one originally keyed, a student is credited for the nullified item. In other words, everyone gets credit for the item and no one loses credit.

Integrated Physical Assessment: The integrated physical assessment is the culminating assignment for the course and involves completion of a cephalocaudal physical assessment at the end of the course. The integrated physical assessment is a mandatory assignment and counts as 20% of your course grade. You will be evaluated based on the integrated physical assessment form criteria. You are expected to complete the assessment in 30 minutes.  Failure of this assignment results in failure of the entire course regardless of the grades for other assignments.  In the event the student misses their scheduled checkoff time without notifying the instructor, or fails to score at least 70% on the assessment, the student will be allowed one makeup attempt. 10 points will be deducted from the makeup grade.  You will sign up for a time to complete your assessment with your course faculty.  Faculty will complete the required documents and provide to you to submit the documents within the course in Week 14.

Course Policies
Instructor Policies Students attending classroom, lab or clinical sessions virtually should exhibit appropriate etiquette to include at a minimum: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life; Respect faculty and peers time by being on time to scheduled exams, sessions and activities; and Present yourself in a professional manner.
 Required assignments and specific dates for work to be turned in must be met by the student. Unless turned in by the deadline there will be a drop in grade for lateness.  Previous arrangements between the student and instructor for late work may allow for a reduced late point penalty. Grammar and sentence structure, spelling, legibility, neatness and following directions as to organization are related to acceptable quality in both written and oral assignments. Written work is expected to follow the most current American Psychological Association (APA) format.
Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission.
No meals are allowed in the classroom without special permission.
Electronic devices (including but not restricted to cell phones, MP3 players, and laptop computers) shall not be used during examinations unless specifically allowed by the instructor.
Use of electronic devices during normal class hours distracts other students, disrupts the class, and wastes valuable time. Instructors have an obligation to reduce such disruptions.
Students should turn their phones to vibrate before they enter the classroom.
No cell phones should be visible during class without faculty permission.
Use of tobacco products is prohibited on all LSC-PA properties at any time.
Additional classroom policies include:
Students and faculty of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Upward Mobility Nursing Program are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. To assure that faculty have the opportunity to teach and students have the opportunity to benefit from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in distracting classroom behavior. 
The following behaviors may result in the student being asked to cease the action, lose five (5) points on the next exam, and/or leave the classroom or labs:
Inappropriate and/or disruptive use of cell phones or other electronics
Talking or sleeping while the instructor is giving instructions or during class discussions/presentations;
Displaying a rude or negative attitude/behavior to the instructor or other students; disruptive behaviors in the classroom, skills/simulation lab, computer lab, testing environment, or clinical setting;

 Counseling for repetitive tardiness (tardiness is defined as arriving greater than 10 minutes to class).
The following expectations apply to all courses:
Promptness is expected. Students should be on time for all classes and return from breaks promptly.
Students are expected to come to didactic, lab, and clinical experiences prepared and present as sincere, adult learners
Phone calls and/or text messages will be returned only during scheduled breaks.
Cell phones must be on vibrate in the classroom and off and out of reach during testing and test reviews.  In the event of an emergency, family can contact students through the AH Secretary, Upward Mobility Program Coordinator, or Department Chair.

On-campus computers will only be used for classroom work.
All information shared by other students and instructors will remain confidential and should not be shared with others outside of the classroom or lab environment.
Students should not engage in ‘side-bar’ discussions during classroom, clinical, and lab.
Comments should be directed to the faculty in charge of the classroom, clinical, or lab time.
All students are expected to actively participate in all discussions, activities, and exercises.
Students are expected to be open to new ideas and experiences and to step outside of their comfort zone.
A positive attitude is expected and comments should give supportive feedback.
The classroom, clinical, and lab environment is a judgment-free zone.
Students are responsible for their actions and are responsible for learning as much as possible from the experiences provided.
Students are encouraged to seek assistance from peers and faculty when needed to be successful.
Student support of each other in the learning environment is encouraged and expected.  Supportive relationships with each other will allow a more positive learning environment to enable all to work together as a team and develop professionally.
Attendance Policy

Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. Policies for this course are described below:

·      Students cannot meet the objectives of the course without completing course assignments.  Students put at risk their success in the course if they miss any assignment deadlines.

·      It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor if they are unable to meet an assignment deadline.


A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days will be advised to drop from the course by faculty. 
Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Allied Health
Chair:Shirley MacNeill
Email:macneisb@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6365